farewell Archives - Page 4 of 4 - DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

The most difficult goodbye you ever say is to your family: the family that moulds you into a person that is ready to face any obstacle head on. No matter how hard you try to prepare yourself, you just cannot come around to say it to them. And when the moment is finally there, all you can do is stand and admire how beautiful your family is, reminiscing all the beautiful memories you’ve gathered with them.

My three years in DU Beat have been the most awarding and inspiring years in life. The slightly scared enthu-cutlet, as called by her seniors, who begged the HRs to let her be a part of her dream team at DU Beat within the first month of joining college; is now graduating as a proud Associate Editor of the same. My college life has been all about DUB- the source of all of my happy memories. From coping with deadlines to drinking games at DUB parties, DU Beat has been every happy memory I have of college life. I’ve seen my mentors becoming my friends, my friends becoming my guides and my juniors becoming family. If given a chance, I’d redo all of it with as much affection and effort, if not more.

I have always boasted about being the oldest member of the DU Beat Editorial team. And very proudly so. But being the oldest member comes with its own responsibilities- people look up to you for everything, everyone expects you to be the know-it-all. I have, not once, felt these expectations to be a burden and responsibilities to be unrealistic. DU Beat has pushed me to challenge my limits and strive for the best performance I can bring out of me.

I walked into this organisation as a fresher looking for a purpose. I couldn’t be happier that I chose DU Beat, more importantly, DU Beat chose me; to design my college life into the enigma that it is today. I have made friends I know will last a lifetime, I’ve learned from people and experiences. The perks, you bet, have been nothing less than a plate full of Vanilla Oreos. Standing inside the barricades with a press card hanging around my neck has to certainly be the best incentive DU Beat gave me. From getting all close up to star performers to being pushed and shoved and stomped upon in stampedes, it’s been a pleasure.

There are a lot of emotions I am experiencing right now. Knowing that I won’t have a 100 messages in my phone from DU Beat groups, leaving 60+ WhatsApp DUB Groups, not getting to make the Web Layout every week, not having to reprimand correspondents and copy-editors to adhere to the deadline and most importantly, not having DU Beat next to my name.

Will I get through this? I’m not sure. But DU Beat has made me into a person who sure can deal with these emotions amidst all possible challenges life decides to throw at me. And to cope, I certainly have some informal DUB WhatsApp groups to hold on to and I am willing to be the creepy stalker of DU Beat on Facebook. Whatever keeps me close to this family.

Words will fall short in explaining the gravity of DUB in my life. And so, is it a goodbye yet? Well, it will never be. DU Beat shall always occupy the most comforting spot in my heart.

Signing off,

For the last time,

Arushi Pathak,

Associate Editor Web (2016-17)

DU Beat

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Ramjas College

No DJs, loud music in freshers’ and farewells at Ramjas

By DU Beat April 23, 2017

A notice issued on Thursday by the acting principal of Ramjas College says that there will be no DJs or music streamed through speakers at freshers’ welcome parties, farewells or other functions. All functions must also end by 4 pm, and at least two teachers, one of whom should “preferably” be a woman, must be present till the function ends.

The principal said that the notice was passed so as to make sure that there is no noise pollution or complaints in and around the campus.

“It is appalling what the students do. We have received many complaints in the past. I will not go into the details but there have been instances where people have complained of misbehavior. Why are DJs or loud music needed? This is a college, not a club. Even I was a student of this college. We didn’t need to make noise to throw farewell parties. People have to maintain decorum. Also, examinations are starting soon and there should be no noise. Students in hostels need peace and quiet to study. Practical exams have already started and theory exams will start on May 9,” said Principal PC Tulsian.

The notice has received criticism from both students and teachers.

One of the students who did not want to be named said “This is bizarre! Why can’t we play music during our functions? And why must a function end by 4 pm? These rules make no sense for college students. The college itself uses speakers for the functions it holds. Why should the students not be allowed? If the music is too loud or disturbing anyone, the authorities can always tell us to lower the volume. But why the blanket ban?”

The teachers as well criticized the clause regarding the mandatory presence of teachers calling it regressive. “The rules are regressive. Students should be able to hold functions in their own college. Why is the presence of teachers necessary? The notice smacks of unnecessary moral policing,” said a teacher on condition of anonymity.”

With inputs from Indian Express

Aditya Narang

[email protected]

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Uncategorized

GOODBYES AND UNBROKEN TIES – Farewell from the Eyes of a Second-Year Student

By Vineeta Rana April 22, 2017

This is the time of year when the first and second year students bid farewell to their seniors, signalling the end of the latter’s undergraduate life. It’s naturally a nostalgic time for the third year students, but what we often tend to forget is how overwhelming it is for the juniors as well. It’s a flash-forward to what we’ll be experiencing in one or two years’ time and how far we can come in such a short journey.

Farewells are crushing reminders of the fact that not only are we saying goodbye to our friends, but that we’re saying goodbye to our leaders and our mentors. We’re saying goodbye to those who have helped us form our identity and help us grow in ways beyond our imagination. They are reminders of how much we’ve evolved and how far we’ve yet to go.

The lead-up to the farewell is the usual: frantic running around and last-minute panicking by the juniors, and enthusiasm and denial by the seniors. The day itself is a package of fun with an abundance of food and beverages. There are speeches, continuous photo sessions, and energetic dancing, but the common theme between all these is the bond between the people.

All farewells include laughter and tears, excitement and nostalgia. It’s never easy to think about how you won’t interact with these people on a regular basis anymore, or how you have no one to guide you anymore. But we take solace in the knowledge that they’re always only a phone call away. We take comfort in the memories we’ve formed together and which will be cherished for a lifetime.

You know something impacts you a great deal when you’re unable to write about it without being cheesy and clichéd. It’s a faux-pas I’m willing to indulge in for the sake of honesty.

So for those of you who’ve yet to experience this year’s farewell, be prepared. The heavy hearts are only an indication of your attachment to the seniors, and the sorrow will pass. Embrace the emotions and take it all in – you’ll be on the other side of the equation soon, after all.

Image Credits: Pinterest

Vineeta Rana
[email protected]

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Arts & Culture

Now that Fest season is over, it’s time for Farewell

By Srivedant Kar March 29, 2017

“They shouldn’t have done this. It was really hectic for us. Think, when you have to choose between SRCC and Hindu, it’s not easy” said my senior who was not so happy over the clash that happened within two of the big fests this season. He was confused whether he was angry at the organizers or sad because it was his last fest season. He did not seem so comfortable to discuss the fact now that the fest season was over, the next happening thing was his ‘Farewell’.

As fest season drew its curtains with lots of competitions, DJ Nights and celebrity performances, now students are busy with raking up their assignments, internals and course work, till this cycle is broken by the next big event hits the campus i.e- farewell. As the fool’s day gets over, juniors in department, societies will get busy with meetings and work towards giving a good farewell to their seniors. Admissions, elections, semester exams, fests, farewell and semester exams, these events have created a cycle in the cultural life of the university. Sadly, while the fest season is filled with joy, the farewell season which follows would see lot of swollen eyes filled with tears.

Sometimes with cards, sometimes with lighted photo frames- juniors use different ways to organise farewell so that their seniors have the best experience. Since the seniors have spent years in this same college, this is one of the memories that they are going to carry with them for life hence juniors don’t miss this opportunity to give their best in making the farewell function unique.

“I like these small lights around the frame. They are so adorable”, I remember these words said during a visit to Rajiv Chowk by the senior who seemed confused in the earlier part of this article. This makes me realise that I have to visit Rajiv Chowk to buy his farewell gift. As I make a note, and now that you have finished reading this article go ahead and tag your juniors who are going to give you a farewell or seniors whom you are going to give a farewell in the comments section. And don’t forget to share your farewell ideas and demands in the same.

Image Credits: en.paperblog.com

Srivedant Kar

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Five things a third year wishes they had done in college

By Kriti Sharma April 29, 2016

“When I look back now, that summer seemed to last forever; and if I had the choice, I’d always want to be there; those were the best days of my life!”

The lyrics to this Bryan Adams song do a dandy job at summing up the farewell sentiments of every graduating student. The three years that every student spends at college are some of the best of his/her life. Not only does he acquire a worthwhile education, but he/she also stands to gain some great life experiences. And that is probably why the last few months of the sixth semester make even the strongest of hearts weak with emotions of sweet despondency and yearning.

As the curtains to this phase of life are drawn, certain common thoughts swim through the mind of every graduating student. Retrospection not only refreshes pleasant memories, but also uncovers some nasty moments that are capable of haunting a person for life. Then there are those tiny, nagging regrets, things like “I wish I had done this,” “I wish I could have been that,” “I wish I had said this” and so on.

After talking to a couple of my seniors, I’ve put down a list of things that a third year student wishes he/she had done in his three years at college:

1. “I wish I had confessed my feelings to my crush!”

You know what they say about young love, don’t you? The presence of it makes your life beautiful, and the absence of it- a living hell. Especially when everyone else you know is falling in love and you’re just falling into a bowl of chocolate ice cream (emotional eater, eh?). Things become so much worse when you’ve harboured feelings for someone all throughout college, but never have had the courage to confess to them. But then comes your last semester. You’ve got nothing on you anymore and you’re finally ready to declare your love. Alas! Life isn’t that easy. Because by now, your crush already has a hot girlfriend. And they’ve been going super strong. In fact, they’re the next big thing after Brangelina. Sigh. Talk about ‘relationship goals’.

2. “I wish I had joined a college society!”

Maitreyi College performiong at Tempest, the annual festival of Miranda House

You’ve been an introvert all your life. However, that has never bothered you. But then comes the farewell season. You get invited to your college farewell. And your departmental one. If you’ve known enough ‘cool’ people, maybe you’ll get called for the unofficial farewell too. But you never came out of your comfort zone, made an effort and joined a college society. Not only did you miss out on making lifelong friendships, attending house parties, learning a new skill and competing at fests, but you also missed out on one of the best farewells: a society farewell. Naturally, your sense of regret will grow stronger during this period and you will just have to gracefully take the blame for your own doing.

3.”I wish I had gone out more often!”

As you spend your last days on campus, the frequency with which you visit your favourite food joints will increase. But something funny will happen as a consequence: your eyes will suddenly open up to all those eateries and food addas in and around your own hang-out spaces that you never went to during your college life! You’ll find yourself wondering: Did this lounge/restaurant/club recently come up? Or was I just too regular at my own lounge/restaurant/club to notice this one? Whatever may be the reason for your sudden awakening, the point is, you’re going to be deeply sorry. And you’ll wish you had gone out more often with your friends, exploring new places and having new adventures.

4.”I wish I had dressed better!”

Image Credits: beautydramaqueen.wordpress.com

A ‘no-uniform’ policy and the initial excitement of college gave you an incentive to dress your best in your first year. But by the end of the second semester, your enthusiasm began to pale. By the end of your third semester, you couldn’t give two hoots about what you wore for your drab lectures. So you spent a majority of your college life in chappals, pyjamas and basically what lazy bums like to call ‘casual and cool’ clothing, which, for your information, is just a lame excuse for lacking initiative, creativity and a sense of style. But now you’ve got a placement. And you know that your future wardrobe is going to be limited to formal or boring attire. That’s when you will feel remorseful for not making an effort to dress up when you had the opportunity.

5. ” I wish I had attended that professor’s lecture more regularly!”

Farewells bring out a welter of emotions in most people. They soften you up: old vendettas are forgiven and forgotten and you begin to see everyone and everything with a new-found appreciation. Even certain professors, whom you never liked before, now seem so kind and endearing. In fact, your interest in their subject suddenly increases and that’s when you wish you had been more regular and attentive for their lectures!

So at the end of it all, here’s a little bit of advice for the second year and first year students reading this article: You’ve still got one year/two years with you, respectively. Please wake up to the multiple opportunities that college offers you. Make hay while the sun shines and you’ll have no (or at least fewer) regrets when it’s your time to leave.

Amen.

Feature Image: judson.edu

Kriti Sharma

[email protected]

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Sex Amma

Sex Amma: Farewell and the curse of virginity

By DU Beat April 16, 2016

Dear Amma, I’m about to graduate, and I’m worried that even after three years of college I’m still a virgin. I attended the Virgin Tree Pooja three years in a row, went to parties to talk to girls, practically did everything to change this but nothing has ever helped. I am now worried if I’ll ever break this “curse” of virginity that has been set upon me. Please tell me what do?

Aiyyo, my dear idli, looks like you have been following the wrong ways of procuring a partner for a while now. It seems like you’re suffering from a curse that my macchis call ‘desperation.’ Amma has seen many men fall prey to this curse, and is glad that you have to ask for advice. This curse affects many men’s perception of females, but don’t worry as Amma has the solution to this.

The solution to your problem is simple, but it will be tough on your part to implement the same. Your curse makes you not want to explore anything beyond having sex with a girl. You must know that Amma loves her macchis because they are gentle, affectionate people who need to be cared for and loved deeply. If you fail to do that, and will only concentrate on having sex, no macchi will ever want to be with you.

Try to approach women with a certain level of respect. Remember that your curry is tastiest only when you invest time in cooking it patiently with the right kind of spices. Go beyond the idea of just having sex and following irrational ideas like attending the Virgin Tree Pooja. Instead, try to find the right girl for you who shares similar interests and can understand you. Amma assures that by following this advice, you’ll find a dosa to go along with your taste in no time.

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DUB Speak

What it actually feels like when you’re about to graduate

By Kritika Narula April 10, 2016

Nearing the last leg of my last semester in college, my days resonate with echoes of the words ‘farewell’, ‘future plans’, ‘what’s next’ and the like. While I happily dodge such questions by humorously stating that this is an erroneous question to be put to a final year student, at the same time I realise it is indeed a prominent query and justifiably so. And that is when the reality dawns on me. After having the time of our lives, we have to graduate and abandon the routine of running late for lectures, finishing assignments at the last moment, and turning up to internal examinations thoroughly under-prepared.

And here’s what it is like when you know you’re about to graduate from college and into an uncharted territory – it is scary. I can’t think of a better way to put this. It is scary to say goodbye, knowing full well that as all the friends venture out to pursue their own plans, staying in touch might be difficult after all. It is scary to think of a new setting, a new role that you’ll be playing.

And most of all, it is scary to make decisions that are supposed to define your life. There hasn’t been a thunder storm, there hasn’t been any epiphany – how are 50,000 students supposed to have the defining moment of their lives simultaneously? It is scary when everyone expects you to have figured out your career plans, your goals. It is scary to think of the impending farewell speech you have to give in your department/society farewell. It is scary to think of all the goodbyes you’ll have to say, and pretend to be okay with moving on. It is indeed the practical thing to do – brace yourself for the life ahead, and move on.

But, it is also important to know that it is okay if you feel emotionally drained at the end of it all. It is okay if you think it will be unbearable for a while to not wake up with your roommate. It is okay if you think you’ll miss the thrill of bunking lectures on a whim. It is also okay if you think you will not miss much of college where you practically missed one lecture to prepare for the next. It is okay if you will miss everything so much that you’re taking a year off. It is also okay if you will miss none of this. It is scary to let go of the things and people you hold so dear, but it is still okay. It is scary to lose the one reason to meet your friends every day. It is scary to look back at the three years that have passed by and think about how you could’ve done so much more. It is scary to look back and think that you’ve lost so much time and of the numerous different ways you could have spent your undergrad days.

It is so scary that even this article which wasn’t intended to be a tear-jerker, ended up being one.

Kritika Narula

[email protected]

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DUB News

An editor’s ‘good’ bye note

By Gurman Bhatia April 17, 2014

A year back, I was asked to be the Web Editor at DU Beat. Not having edited a single article in my life, I was unsure where that came from. Having been a student of Journalism, I knew a bit about the profession. But would I make a good editor? That was a question I didn’t have the answer to.

Today, after 10 months, of allotting, editing, filtering and a bit of bossing around, that tenure has come to an end. As I head out of the door and join the Ex-DUB editors’ club, here’s my goodbye note.

Starting with a bit of boasting – last year has been one of the key years for DU Beat as an organisation. We witnessed record growth in our readership and social media community and simultaneously explored new approaches to storytelling. The year saw us join Instagram and cross 500 followers in 15 days (the number crossed 1500 recently). We closed June 2013 with 11,000 Facebook followers; today the number has crossed 60,000. The fest season saw live updates. We experimented with different forms such as live blogging and video as well as interactive tools such as timelines and info graphics. It is not as much about numbers, as it is about the fact that we were doing something right. We know that there is still ample amount of potential that we hold as a news organisation, but we are constantly working towards getting better each day.

An outgoing DUBster (the cool name our team members associate with) recently said that the best thing about DU Beat is the creative space that you get here. This is a factor that is truly defined by the tagline our founders came up with – ‘Freedom of Expression’. It is also a right that we have been struggling with, during the past few years in the University. While there are strong voices from the student and teacher community against the administration, there is often an attempt to curb those. The University’s education structure has changed dramatically in the past three years, and from what is forthcoming, there are going to be even more changes. Last year we saw over 20 protests from DUTA members, most of which were against what they term as the VC’s ‘authoritative regime’ and the (un)popular FYUP. AISA’s referendum stated that 91% of the people who participated in the same were against the FYUP. Another feedback conducted by DUTA had 43 college faculty associations out of the 47 that participated, condemning the FYUP. Despite these voices, not much has changed. Yet this means that there are voices that need to be given space and amplified. As the current leadership of DU Beat steps back, and a new set takes over, we hope to be platform for the diverse voices this University is proud to have.

For all that we have been able to achieve as an organisation, I want to thank the team and our readers. Adding a bit of gratitude to my note, thank you Cheshtha for working in way where we could integrate the web and print operations. Another shout out to Priyanka Banerjee, the Associate Web Editor who always supported me when I came up with crazy ideas that most people thought were a lot of work. Thank you to each correspondent who often missed a lecture to cover a ‘boring’ event and photographers who spent the day constantly up on their feet, slogging in the sun. Whatever our readers saw happen to this space, is hugely because of them.

For times when we failed, I apologise and hope that the forthcoming leadership will learn from our mistakes. Speaking of which, it is a pleasure tell you that Niharika Singh will take over my position as the Web Editor. Further, Mridul Sharma and Vani Vivek will be stepping up as Associate Web Editors and Raghav Chopra as the Copy Editor.

Keep reading and keep voicing your opinion through your comments and feedback, for it is one way to keep track of when we go right, and when we are wrong.

It is indeed a ‘good’ bye. For today as I leave, DU Beat is in a good place (and in good hands).

Over to Niharika!

Signing off,
Gurman Bhatia
Web Editor (2013-14)

P.S.: I need to mention that serving this community has been the most fulfilling experience of my college life. If at any point you feel that you fit into this crazy place full of crazy people and have a keen inclination to learn and take bashing positively, drop us a mail at [email protected]. This organisation needs people like you.

Read the farewell note of Editor Cheshtha Gupta here.

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DUB Speak

As We Bid Adieu

By Vishakha Darbha April 20, 2013

When winter turns to spring, the trees wake up from their cold slumber as tender leaves sprout from their fragile branches, adding colour to a body that stands like a bare canvas. The ground begins to thaw as life breathes through its pores, ready to face the onset of a new year. As we say goodbye to the three years that defined our outlook towards life, our branches shake off the protective layer of ice that kept us insulated from a world where we need to dig our roots deep into the soil, choosing our own paths and charting the course of our future.

With barely a month left for the final exams to begin, our third year comrades prepare their resumes and compile their academic transcripts together in the race to get into the next phase of this never-ending journey. Some choose to fill out innumerable applications and sit for overwhelming entrances, while others run around hoping to get their professors to write letters of recommendation, smoothing the obstacle course set by foreign universities. Yet another set of aspiring adults choose to begin their budding careers, and a significant bunch take a year or two off to brainstorm on where to channel their passion.

Not all of us have enjoyed these three years. Many wait for those dreaded exams to end, the close of an old chapter and an eager turn to the next page. DU is a waste of three years, the education system is below average, many of the professors can’t speak properly, and the infrastructure is pathetic. Warnings have always rained on the years of the delusional juniors. However, what we don’t realise is that behind the dilapidated, rusted exterior, we still have special moments. Moments when we run out of our class to visit the momo or bhel puri wala before he leaves, a quick snack between classes. Moments when we take part in a competition with our friends at a popular college’s fest and come back penniless due to all the food we ate for lack of anything to do. In other cases, when we outshine everyone else and hold the trophy in our hands, a reminder that no matter how big the stage is, school, college or life, the things we’re passionate about never leave us feeling less than satisfied. All the friends you make, the parts of your college that you cherish the most, the teachers that made classes memorable for you thanks to their teaching, or even their mispronunciations.

Growing up is never easy. It’s a constant headache as you wonder what’s in store for you. Yet the day you graduate, think of it as the time to let go of the past, and look ahead to your future. Cherish the memories you have created over the past three years, as these moments never come back.

Image Credits: Swadha Singh

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